Latest news with #Hartbeat
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MLB Legend Ken Griffey Jr. and ESPN Analyst Michael Collins to Host Golf Series for Hartbeat (Exclusive)
Baseball hall of famer Ken Griffey Jr. will co-host a new unscripted golf series alongside his real-life friend, the golf caddie-turned ESPN analyst Michael Collins. The duo will host Caddie & the Kid, co-produced by content studio Bark Bark and Kevin Hart's entertainment company Hartbeat. The show, which will debut new episodes on Hartbeat's LOL Network on YouTube, will see Griffey and Collins tee off with celebrity guests, including Thursday Night Football analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick, Seattle Mariners stars and legends like Julio Rodriguez, Logan Gilbert, and Ichiro Suzuki, Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion Cooper DeJean, former LPGA pro Cheyenne Woods, former MLB outfielder Aaron Hicks, YouTube golf creator Micah Morris and others. More from The Hollywood Reporter Amazon Thinks It Has a Winning Play to Score Sports Ad Dollars How to Watch 2025 NBA Playoffs Online Without Cable 'Mythbusters' Veterans Kari Byron and Tory Belleci to Launch 'Mythfits' Podcast (Exclusive) State Farm is the sponsor of the launch episode (yes, Jake from State Farm makes an appearance) though other brands will be featured in future episodes. The first episode will be released May 15. 'Mike and I became friends through golf and photography,' Griffey said in a statement. 'We always talked about doing a show, and this is a great way for everyone to see my new retirement quest…beating Michael at golf all over the country and world. It's gonna be a fun ride letting y'all into our circle one trip at a time.' 'We have been excited to do this for a long time — Caddie & the Kid is just a peek into what our everyday friendship is like,' Collins added. 'The biggest compliment we get from people is, 'you're both the exact same off camera as on camera!' Golf is such a 'let your guard down, can't hide who you are' sport, so getting to hang out with athletes and celebrities at amazing bucket list venues…this show is the ultimate real life buddies trip where we can be ourselves. I'm just the lucky knucklehead who everyone gets to live vicariously through!' Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
Business Insider
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
How YouTube is trying to cash in on big events and cultural moments
Hollywood has been courting YouTube's creators as it grows on the TV screen. Netflix, for one, has been beating the drum that it's financially better for creators than YouTube. YouTube doesn't pay creators directly for content or own it, unlike the legacy Hollywood model. Apart from a short-lived experiment in funding its own shows, it's stuck with supporting creators with tools like automatic dubbing, a TV-like interface to promote binge-watching, and features that let creators comment on and react to live events. And, of course, it typically shares 55% of the revenue from ads shown on creators' videos. YouTube execs often tout the $70 billion the company paid to creators, artists, and media companies over three years. YouTube has had limited success attracting blue-chip advertisers who have a bias for TV-like shows, though, something top creators like Sean Evans have complained about. The company's latest advertiser pitch hopes to change that. In the first of what YouTube hopes will be many examples, State Farm owned the recent PGA Championship on ranads on trending videos, takeovers on golf channels from creators like Grant Horvat and Good Good, and an integration into the new LOL Network series "Caddie & the Kid" from Kevin Hart's Hartbeat. "We can take that formula and literally apply it to any major moment on the calendar to ultimately help our clients tap into what we're calling the game on the game around the game phenomena," Brian Albert, managing director of YouTube Media Partnerships and Creative Works, told Business Insider. Hartbeat has made plenty of ad-supported shows for YouTube, but this was the first time YouTube brought an advertiser to the table. State Farm's involvement enabled Hartbeat to greenlight the show and spend more on episode length, travel, and talent, said Janina Lundy, who heads marketing and brand partnerships for Hartbeat. "Caddie & the Kid" follows MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and comedian and former caddie Michael Collins on their golfing adventures. "It definitely did allow for it to be a bit more premium," Lundy said of State Farm's impact. YouTube wants more TV-like shows YouTube viewing is increasingly happening in the living room, and the platform is trying to keep the growth going. YouTube has been No. 1 in streaming watch time for the past few years, the company said in February, citing Nielsen data. That puts it ahead of Netflix, Disney, and Amazon's Prime Video. YouTube also shared that TV had become the primary device for YouTube viewing in the US, surpassing mobile in watch time. As YouTube becomes a bigger deal on TVs, big brand deals can help the platform improve the production value of its shows without paying upfront costs. YouTube is picking shows for its cultural moments packages that look like traditional TV, where it knows people tune in for those live events. Hartbeat makes shows specifically for YouTube but also makes cinematic entertainment for streamers, for example. Whether advertisers will buy in is an open question. Some are still unconvinced that YouTube content is on par with traditional TV. Two top video ad buyers told BI there are plenty of other places to buy into the cultural conversation, so YouTube's pitch is hardly unique. Advertisers who can afford to buy ads around the actual sports content may be less interested in a creator's spin on it. However, for those with smaller budgets who value YouTube's audience, its pitch could be attractive, one of the buyers said. If YouTube's pitch succeeds with bigger advertisers, it could broaden creators' access to advertisers and revenue. Except for the top level, YouTube creators often don't have direct relationships with blue-chip advertisers. Those who get chosen for "cultural" sponsorships, as YouTube calls them, would also get extra exposure on a dedicated hub to help them get discovered. "Many of our top creators have their own teams that have been trying to source brand partnerships for years. We've been facilitating these connections as well," Albert said. "What's new now is just the fact that we're wrapping it around this cultural moments' calendar."
Business Insider
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
How YouTube is trying to stay a step ahead of Netflix
As Hollywood warms up to creators, YouTube has been pitching new sponsorship packages that combine creator content with major cultural moments like the Oscars, Black Friday, and the PGA Championship. Hollywood has been courting YouTube's creators as it grows on the TV screen. Netflix, for one, has been beating the drum that it's financially better for creators than YouTube. YouTube doesn't pay creators directly for content or own it, unlike the legacy Hollywood model. Apart from a short-lived experiment in funding its own shows, it's stuck with supporting creators with tools like automatic dubbing, a TV-like interface to promote binge-watching, and features that let creators comment on and react to live events. And, of course, it typically shares 55% of the revenue from ads shown on creators' videos. YouTube execs often tout the $70 billion the company paid to creators, artists, and media companies over three years. YouTube has had limited success attracting blue-chip advertisers who have a bias for TV-like shows, though, something top creators like Sean Evans have complained about. The company's latest advertiser pitch hopes to change that. In the first of what YouTube hopes will be many examples, State Farm owned the recent PGA Championship on YouTube. It ran ads on trending videos, takeovers on golf channels from creators like Grant Horvat and Good Good, and an integration into the new LOL Network series "Caddie & the Kid" from Kevin Hart's Hartbeat. "We can take that formula and literally apply it to any major moment on the calendar to ultimately help our clients tap into what we're calling the game on the game around the game phenomena," Brian Albert, managing director of YouTube Media Partnerships and Creative Works, told Business Insider. Hartbeat has made plenty of ad-supported shows for YouTube, but this was the first time YouTube brought an advertiser to the table. State Farm's involvement enabled Hartbeat to greenlight the show and spend more on episode length, travel, and talent, said Janina Lundy, who heads marketing and brand partnerships for Hartbeat. "Caddie & the Kid" follows MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and comedian and former caddie Michael Collins on their golfing adventures. "It definitely did allow for it to be a bit more premium," Lundy said of State Farm's impact. YouTube wants more TV-like shows YouTube viewing is increasingly happening in the living room, and the platform is trying to keep the growth going. YouTube has been No. 1 in streaming watch time for the past few years, the company said in February, citing Nielsen data. That puts it ahead of Netflix, Disney, and Amazon's Prime Video. YouTube also shared that TV had become the primary device for YouTube viewing in the US, surpassing mobile in watch time. As YouTube becomes a bigger deal on TVs, big brand deals can help the platform improve the production value of its shows without paying upfront costs. YouTube is picking shows for its cultural moments packages that look like traditional TV, where it knows people tune in for those live events. Hartbeat makes shows specifically for YouTube but also makes cinematic entertainment for streamers, for example. Whether advertisers will buy in is an open question. Some are still unconvinced that YouTube content is on par with traditional TV. Two top video ad buyers told BI there are plenty of other places to buy into the cultural conversation, so YouTube's pitch is hardly unique. Advertisers who can afford to buy ads around the actual sports content may be less interested in a creator's spin on it. However, for those with smaller budgets who value YouTube's audience, its pitch could be attractive, one of the buyers said. If YouTube's pitch succeeds with bigger advertisers, it could broaden creators' access to advertisers and revenue. Except for the top level, YouTube creators often don't have direct relationships with blue-chip advertisers. Those who get chosen for "cultural" sponsorships, as YouTube calls them, would also get extra exposure on a dedicated hub to help them get discovered. "Many of our top creators have their own teams that have been trying to source brand partnerships for years. We've been facilitating these connections as well," Albert said. "What's new now is just the fact that we're wrapping it around this cultural moments' calendar."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kevin Hart to Host 2025 BET Awards
Kevin Hart is set to host the 2025 BET Awards. The Emmy-winning superstar actor, comedian and mogul will emcee this year's 25th anniversary awards show, which is set to air live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET on Monday, June 9 from the Peacock Theater in L.A. More from The Hollywood Reporter Newport Beach TV Fest: 'Nobody Wants This' Star Adam Brody Set for TV Performance of the Year Award, Live 'Awards Chatter' Podcast Webby Awards 2025: Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Taika Waititi Among Winners Demi Moore Recalls the Moment She "Knew" Mikey Madison Would Win Best Actress Oscar 'I love a celebration! It's a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life's unforgettable moments,' Hart said in a statement. 'I'm truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture's biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. It's a black-tie affair, and you're all invited. Tune in live on June 9th, only on BET.' This year's BET Awards, which the network refers to as 'culture's biggest nightm' will recognize the past 25 years of cultural artistry and honor influential voices in music, film, TV and BET credits include hosting the stand-up comedy showcase Comic View: One Night Stand in 2008, executive producing and starring in Real Husbands of Hollywood, which premiered in 2013 and his Hartbeat company produces the BET+ adult animated comedy Lil Kev, based on Hart's childhood and family. 'For over a decade, Kevin Hart has been a beloved part of the BET family, and we couldn't be more excited to have him return to host the 25th anniversary BET Awards,' BET president and CEO Scott Mills said in a statement. 'His unparalleled talent, infectious energy, and deep connection to our audience make him the perfect host for this historic celebration. Kevin has continuously pushed boundaries in entertainment. On the heels of the successful launch of BET+ original series Lil Kev, we are eager to expand our partnership and continue to bring groundbreaking projects to life.' BET executive vp, specials, music programming and music strategy, Connie Orlando, added, 'Kevin Hart is a powerhouse of an entertainer. His impact spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. As we celebrate 25 years of the BET Awards, we couldn't think of a more dynamic host to lead this historic night. Kevin's unmatched charisma, comedic brilliance, and deep-rooted connection to our culture make him the perfect choice to commemorate this milestone event.' Orlando executive produces the show, along with BET's Jamal Noisette, from Jesse Collins Entertainment, with Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay serving as executive producers. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Barbershop' TV series ordered at Prime Video with Jermaine Fowler starring
Barbershop is back in business. Ahead of Amazon's upfront presentation on Monday, Amazon MGM Studios officially gave a series order to comedy series Barbershop, based on the 2000s film series of the same name, to stream on Prime Video. Marshall Todd, cowriter of the original 2002 film, is writing and executive-producing, with Kevin Hart's Hartbeat producing. Max Searle (Dave) is co-showrunner and executive producer. More from GoldDerby 'Fallout' gets early Season 3 renewal ahead of Season 2 premiere in December 'Shrinking' acting Emmy submissions include Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and these 4 guest stars Netflix sets premiere date for Lena Dunham's new series, Jude Law and Andrew Garfield to play Siegfried & Roy, and more of today's top news stories Jermaine Fowler (Ricky Stanicky) stars as Travis 'Trav' Porter, who endeavors to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a legendary barber at the iconic 'Calvin's' barbershop in Chicago. And while the barbers are new, the shop remains just as lively, the customers just as argumentative, and the fades are still the dopest in the city — because at Calvin's, the community comes together for way more than just a haircut. 'We are thrilled to announce a new series based on the hilarious and innovative world of Barbershop for our global Prime Video customers,' said Vernon Sanders, global head of television, Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement. 'The television adaptation of this iconic film franchise is in excellent hands with co-showrunners Max Searle and Marshall Todd. We couldn't be happier with their collaboration and hard work to bring Calvin's Chicago-based barbershop to life for a new audience on Prime Video.' The first Barbershop film starred Ice Cube as barber Calvin Palmer Jr. and featured a breakout performance from Cedric the Entertainer as eccentric barber Eddie Walker. It was followed by Barbershop 2: Back in Business in 2004, spinoff Beauty Shop with Queen Latifah in 20o5, and Barbershop: The Next Cut in 2016. The franchise has grossed over $235 million across the four films. This is the second attempt at a Barbershop series; Omar Gooding starred in a 2005 sitcom based on the films that ran for one season on Showtime. Best of GoldDerby Danielle Pinnock on playing Alberta in CBS' 'Ghosts,' representation, and what's next for the hit comedy 'I didn't think he was a jerk': Paul Giamatti on finding the humanity in his standout 'Black Mirror' episode 'Grotesquerie' star Niecy Nash-Betts on that shocking coma twist, and Travis Kelce's 'greedy' appetite Click here to read the full article.
